In a shocking turn of events at the World Snooker Championship 2025, the tournament has seen a flurry of upsets that have left fans and players alike reeling. As the competition unfolds at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, reigning champion Kyren Wilson and last year's finalist Jak Jones both faced early exits, setting the stage for an unpredictable tournament.
Mark Selby, a four-time world champion and one of the favorites, was sensationally knocked out by his friend Ben Woollaston with a score of 10-8 on Thursday night, April 24, 2025. This defeat marked another disappointing first-round exit for Selby, who had previously lost to Joe O'Connor in the same round last year. Woollaston, ranked 44th in the world, was competing at the Crucible for the first time since 2013, and his victory over Selby was a significant milestone in his career.
Selby, visibly frustrated, expressed his disappointment after the match, stating, "I didn’t deserve to win. Ben played some great stuff, his safety was unbelievable at times but I still had my chances. It was pathetic really from me, to play like that is disappointing." His mood was evident when he slammed the yellow ball across the table after a miscue, a moment that underscored his frustration.
Woollaston's victory was particularly poignant given his struggles with health issues, which he believes began after a Covid vaccination nearly four years ago. He has faced significant challenges, including enduring blackouts during matches and difficulty with basic tasks. "I passed out after having it. I couldn’t stand for about six months. It was awful," Woollaston shared, reflecting on his journey back to the Crucible.
Meanwhile, Luca Brecel, the 2023 champion, avoided joining the ranks of eliminated former champions by staging an impressive comeback against Ryan Day. After trailing 5-1 at one point, Brecel clawed his way back to win 10-7, showcasing his resilience and skill. He will now face Ding Junhui in the second round. Brecel commented on his performance, saying, "It’s good to win, I was expecting to win, to be honest. I never really panic, especially here as it’s so long. I’ve made so many comebacks here, so it wasn’t surprising."
The tournament has been rife with surprises, as four of the first eight matches resulted in victories for lower-ranked players. On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, notable results included Judd Trump defeating Zhou Yuelong 10-4 and Ronnie O'Sullivan also winning by the same score against Ali Carter. Shaun Murphy and Pang Junxu both secured their places in the next round with solid performances, winning 10-4 and 10-7 respectively.
As the competition progresses, fans are left wondering how many more upsets are in store. The ongoing matches add an air of excitement and unpredictability to the championship, with players like John Higgins battling closely against Xiao Guodong, currently tied at 4-4.
With the contract for the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible set to expire in two years, Barry Hearn, president of Matchroom Sport, has made it clear that the venue needs significant upgrades or a complete overhaul to continue hosting the event. He stated, "We want to stay but the financials have to be taken into consideration. The facilities where the Crucible is are no longer fit for purpose, that's the key issue." Hearn's comments come as he prepares for important discussions with Sheffield City Council about the future of the tournament.
Hearn has a long history with the Crucible, having seen it host the World Championship since 1977. The venue is steeped in tradition and has been the site of many historic moments in snooker. However, with the sport's financial landscape evolving, Hearn believes it may be time to consider new locations that can better accommodate the growing demands of the game. "If there's a way to keep it in Sheffield, of course that's the preferred option. But ultimately, behind closed doors, trust me on one thing: the players want more money and that's the same in any sport you work in," Eddie Hearn, Barry's son, added, highlighting the financial pressures facing the sport.
As the 50th anniversary of the World Championship at the Crucible approaches, it could potentially mark a farewell to the iconic venue if significant changes are not made. The stakes are high, not just for the players competing on the table but also for the future of snooker in Sheffield.
For fans, the excitement is palpable as they witness the unfolding drama of the tournament. With each match, the potential for more surprises looms large. The World Snooker Championship is not just about tradition; it's about adapting to the times and ensuring that it remains a premier event in the sporting calendar.
As we look ahead, the question remains: will the Crucible continue to be the heartbeat of snooker, or will it be time for a new chapter in different venues? One thing is for sure—the competition is fierce, and the players are ready to battle it out for the coveted title.
